Control mechanism for change speed transmissions



Matth 12, 1940. Q 1', RANDQL 2,193,432

CONTROL IIEGHANISE FOR CHANGE SPEED TRANSMISSIONS Filed Jiu-e 4,' 1.936e sheetssheet 1 r" R ff 6'. 7T andol.

ATTORNEY March 12, 1940. c. T. Immunol.v 2,193,432.

CONTROL MECHANSM FOR CHANGE SPEED TRANSMISSIONS, med .nim 4, 193s esneatssnet 2 lNvENToR andol March l2, 194,0., s, T, RANDQL 2,193,432 lconnor.. MECHANISM Fon CHANGE SPEED 'rrgANsMIssIons Filed June 4, 195e esneetsfsheet s INVENTOR G 7i Randal.

ATT RNEY'- Much 12, 1940. 6,1 RANDQL 2,193,432

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR CHANGE SPEED TRANSMISSIONS Filed June 4, 1936 6Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR G T2 andol.

G. T. v RANDQI.

CONTROL MECHANIS-M FOR CHANGE SPEED TRASMISSIONS Much 12, 1940.

s sheets-sheet 5` Filed .mma 4, 195s zz 5.9 if 1f ffy/M2 ff/A .nl F "l6, JQ NVENTOR. T n y':rv I

vATTORNEY Mm!! 12. 1.940. G. T. RANDQL. 2,193,432

connor. MEQHANISM Fon CHA-NGE SPEED TRAusMIssIons Filed June4, 193

6 Sheets-Sheet 6 limi" I .Il '.T'" Jl INVENTO 6'. /Panc/o/ Patented Mar.12, 1940 UNI-TED STATES PATENT CFFICE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR CHANGE SPEEDTRANSMISSIONS Application June 4, 1936, Serial No. 83,458

29 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved poweroperated control mechanismfor a change speed transmission of the general character disclosed in myco-pending application filed August 12,

5 1935, Serial Nol 35,891, and now Patent No.

2,071,359, issued February 23, 1937.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a combination valveand lock mechanism in association with control mechanism of the l typereferred to which will, when a position of the transmission, as forexample neutral, is preselected and the shifting mechanism actuated,function to render inoperative the power means and to simultaneously andpositively lock the control mechanism in the preselected position,thereby eliminating the need for conventional spring pressed detents tohold the'speed ratio shifting elements in said position.

Another and important gbject is toprovide a change speed transmissioncontrol mechanism of the type in which the speed ratios are selectedmanually and then rendered operative by the movement of the clutch withmeans for preventing either neutral or an operative speed ratio frombeing disturbed by movement of the clutch pedal as long as the manualselector remains in a position indicating the condition of thetransmission.

Another object is to provide a'locking mechanism for positively lockingthe control mechanism in predetermined position and preventing thepower-operated shifting mechanism from being effective to operate thecontrol mechanism, notwithstanding the clutch pedal and the associatedcontrol valve may be moved to a position to normally cause the powerImeans to function.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism wherein theyieldable plungers for selectively coupling the speed ratio shiftingelements to the companion rotatable selectors for movement thereby toengage a selected speed ratio will also function to positively lock saidshifting elements when moved to the speed ratio active position so thatthe transmission driving connection thus established will remainundisturbed upon subsequent actuation of the clutch pedal or othercontrolling element until another speed ratio selection is made throughthe handcontrolled mechanism, so that the energy required to shift thedifferent speed gears or clutches from active position to neutralposition will not be dissipated through overcoming resistance set up bythe conventional spring pressed detents for holding the speed gears orclutches in their various operative positions.

(ci. i4-334) Still another object of the invention is to provide apower-operated control mechanism wherein the piston of the powercylinder will be in a central position when the change. speedtransmission is in neutral and the initial stroke of 5 the powercylinder piston from its central position to cause a selected gear ratioto be active. will always be in the same direction, and thereafter thefull stroke of said piston will be utilized to first neutralize apreviously active speed ratio l0 and then cause a selected future speedratio to become active, such full stroke of the piston continuing untilthe control mechanism is set for neutral wherein the piston will againassume its central position in readiness to repeat the cycle. 15

Another object of the invention is to provide a control mechanism of thetype referred to wherein the control handle cannot be manipulated intothe neutral position with the clutch engaged and a speed gear active,such manipulation requiring that the clutch pedal be fully depressedwith the transmission neutralized, and wherein coincidental with theneutral setting of the control handle, as above indicated, the entiremechanism will be positively locked against further actuation until aspeed gear is again selected, without hampering the free actuation ofthe said clutch pedal and without restricting the ability to preselect afuture gear.

The invention seeks, as a still further object, to provide a controlmechanism for a change speed transmission wherein the control handlecannot be set in the neutral position until the transmission is inneutrall condition, thereby eliminating the uncertainty of apreselective neutral setting as well as the likelihood of injury toperson or property when re-engaging the clutch in taking leave from thecar.

Another Objectis to provide a power cylinder and a control valvetherefor for causing lthe speed ratios of the transmission to be activeand neutral wherein the control valve moves positively with the clutchpedal of the vehicle and causes the piston movement of the power cylinlder to be coordinated with the clutch pedal movement in such a mannerthat the last portion of the disengaging movement of the clutch pedalwill cause the piston to move in one direction to neutralize an activespeed ratio and the backward or engaging throw of the clutch pedal willcause the piston to move in the opposite direction to render active vaselected speed ratio prior to engagement of the clutch.

Other objects of the invention not specifically mentioned will appearfrom the following descrip- 5b tion taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings which form part of this application.

Figure 1 is a plan view showing my improved control mechanism in neutralposition, parts being broken away; Figure 2 is a partial elevation ofthe struetureof Figure 1 showing my mechanism mounted upon atransmission housing; Figure 3 is a rear view of the control mechanismas mounted on the transmission housing; Figure 4 is a plan view` similarto Figure 1 but showing the control mechanism in a position wherein thehigh speed gear ratio is active; Figure 5 is a crosssectional view takenon the line 5-5 of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken onthe line 6 6 of Figure 4 and particularly showing my novel locking meansfor the gear shifting forks and also the shut-off valve; Figure 7 is acrosssectional view taken on the line 1--1 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is across-sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 6; Figures 9 and 10are cross-sectional views taken on the lines 9-9 and Ill-I Il of Figure6 and relating particularly to the shut-off valve; Figure 11 is across-sectional view taken on the line I I-I I of Figure 4; Figure 12 isa partial cross-sectional View of the hand-controlled device forperforming the selecting operation; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional viewtaken on the line I3-I3 of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a cross-sectionalview of the indicator slot as viewed from the line I4-I4 offFlgure l2;Figures 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views taken on the lines I5-I5 andIii-I6, respectively, of Figure 12 showing the manner in which thetorsional spring is embodied in the hand control device; Figure 17 is acrosssectional view taken on the line I`I-I1 of Figure l andparticularly showing the control valve operated by the clutch pedal;Figures 18, 19, 20, and 21 are views taken on the lines I8-I8, I9-I9,2li-2li and 2I-2I of Figure 17 showing different portions of the controlvalve; Figure 22 is a perspective view of the locking control sleeve forthe valve r'od of the control valve; Figure 23 is a partial view of amodified control mechanism; Figure 24 is a longitudinal cross-sectionalview of the control mechanism of Figure 23, showing the rotatableselector in full; Figures 25 and 26 are cross-sectional views taken onthe lines 25-25 and 26-26 of Figure 24 showing details of the positivelocking mechanism; Figure 27 is a crosssectional View of the controlvalve which is to be used with the modified-control mechanism Vshown inFigure 23; Figure 28 is the valve rod shown in Figure 27 as viewed fromthe left; Figure 29 is a perspective view of the control sleeve for thevalve rod shown in Figure 27; and Figure 30 is a cross-sectional viewshowing the typey of detent employed between the selector and theshifting fork of the modified structure.

In order to bring out the function and operation of the presentimprovements, it has been necessary to illustrate a considerable portionof the structure shown in my prior application above referred to.However, since such structure is described in detail in saidapplication, it is believed only necessary to generally describe such4of the present showing that is identical` with that of the priorapplication.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral I indicates a casing which isprovided with a flange portion 2 for securing it to the top of the usualchange speed gear housing 3 by means of four bolts indicated at 4. This;casing member and the control mechanism contained therein, to bepresently described, are adapted to replace the conventionaltransmission housing cover that carries the well known gear shiftinglever.

` 'I'he front and rear end walls of the casing I are adapted to havemounted therein removable rods 5 and 6 positioned in spaced parallelrelation. These 'rods are prevented from both longitudinal and rotativemovement by means of a locking plate 'I detachably secured tothe frontend of the casing and extending into cross grooves in the ends of therods. The rod 5 has slidably mounted thereon a gear shifting fork 8which in the present embodiment is adapted to move either the shiftablegear or the shiftable clutch member for controlling the reverse speedratio and the low speed ratio of the change speed gearing enclosed inthe transmission housing 3. The rod 8 has slidably mounted thereon ashifting fork 9 which is adapted to control either the sliding gear orclutch member for determining the second and'high speed ratios of thechange speed gearing.

In order to more clearly show how the shifting forks cooperate with thechange speed gearing,

placing the change speed gearing in its high speed if' ratio condition.conforming with the position of the parts of the control mechanism shownin Figure 4. 'I'he gearing for the second, low, and reverse speeds isnot shown as it is conventional and believed to be unnecessary to bringout the operation of the control means.

o As best shownin Figure 6, the hub of the gear shifting fork 8 isprovided with a V-shaped longitudinal groove I 5 which is adapted toreceive the correspondingly shaped guiding portion I6 integral with thecasing I. The hub of the shifting fork 9 is also provided with alongitudinal V- shaped groove I'I which receives the guiding por-v tionI8 integral with the casing I. This cooperative relationship between thehubs of the shifting forks and the casing prevents relative rotativemovement between the shifting forks and the rods upon which they areslidable, while at the same time it permits theshi'fting forks to beeasily slid back and forth upon the rods.

Positioned between the two rods 5 and '8 and carried by the ends of thecasing I is a rotatable shaft I9 which is limited against forwardmovement by the end plate 'I and against rearward movement by a gear 20secured thereto inside the casing and adjacent the rear end wall. Thisgear is adapted to co-operate with a slidable rack 2l carried by theupper portion of the casing I and extends at right angles to the axis ofthe rotatable shaft I9-whereby the rotatable shaft' may be rotated asdesired by a longitudinal movement of the rack. The rotatable shaft I9has slidably and rotatably mounted thereon a pair of companion selectingand shifting members 22 and 23. The selector member 22 comprises a pairof sector shaped fingers 24 and 25 connected to; gether by an end ring28 and also having a collar 2'I cooperating with the end ring to providean annular groove 28 adjacent the outer end of the selector. Theselector member 23 is substantially a counterpart of the selector'22 andcomprises a pair of sector shaped fingers 29 yand 3l, which are adaptedto inter-engage with the fingers 24 and 25 of the selector 22, asreadilyseen from Figures 4, 5, 6 and 11. v'.l'he ngers 29 and 30 are connectedat their outer endsby-an end ring 3| and there is also provided a collar32 for forming an annular groove 33 in the selector 23 in the samemanner las already deby means of a spring 36 into engagementwith the`cylindrical surface formed by the ngers of the two selectors 22 and 23.The slot at the rear of the spring isy closed by means of asuitableplug31 held in position by a pin. The rectangular headed detent 35 carriesanintegral arm 33 which extends up into the slot adjacent the rod 5 andis adapted. to cooperate with either of the slots 39 or 40 in the rod,depending uponvthe position of the shifter fork. 'I'he hubof the shifterfork 9 is also provided with a slot in its lower side and positioned inthis .slot is a rectangular `headed detent 4| biased by means of aspring 42 into engagement with thecylindrical surface formed by thefingers ofA the selectors 22 and 23. The

fslot at the rear of the spring is closed bymeans of a plug 43 held inthe slot by a. suitable pin.

The detent 4| carries ari-integral arm44 lying in the slot and'extendingadjacent the rod l for cooperation with the slots 45 and 4I in thesurface of the rod, depending upon the position of the shifter fork.

The finger 29 of the selector 23 is provided with a somewhat elongatedrecess 41 and the nger 24 of the selector 22 is` provided with a similarelongated recess 49, both of which recesses are adapted to cooperatewith and receive either of the detents 35 or 4|, depending upon theangular position of the selectors; Attention is'also called to thenarrow recess 4|! in the nger 29, the purpose of which will be laterdescribed. It is to benoted, however, that the width of this recess issuch that neither of the detents can engage therein. The recesses 41 and49v and the detents are so positioned and arranged 'that only one detentcan be in one recess at a time. When the selectors are in theirinnermost axial position,

-which is the neutral position of the gearing and is shown in Figure 1,the recesses 41 and 49 are in circular alignment. Under theseconditions, with the rack 2| in the position marked N (Figure 1),neither of the detents will be in a recess as the selectors are in aposition 45 degrees clockwise from that shown in Figure 6. v

When the rack is slid to the position marked 3, the selectors will berotated to a position where the detent 4I will engage in the recess 49,this being the position to select third or high speed when the gearingis in neutral. When the rack is slid tothe position marked 2, the detent4| will engage in the recess 41, this being the position of theselectors to select second speed when the gearing is in neutral. Whenthe rack is slid to the position marked the detent 35 will engage in therecess 49 and low speed will be selected. When the rack is moved to theposition marked R, the detent 35 will engage in the recess 41 .andreverse will be selected. -Thus it is seen 4that when the selectors aremoved away from each other, whichever shifting fork is connected to theViinger`24 or 29 will be moved with it and the gear or clutch memberconnected to they shifter fork 'moved to an active position. Of course,if neither detent is in a recess, the'shifter forks will not .be moved.l

It is also to be noted that' with the structure just described it is notnecessary 'to have the `selectors.in their innermost or neutral positionl(Figure 1) in order to select a gear ratio other thanA the. one'that isactive. The selectors may be rotated when they are in the outermostposition, `as for example the position shown in Figures 3, 5 or 6wherein the detent 4| has been engaged 'nthe recess 49 to connectthe-fork 9 to the finger 24 and the selectors moved apart to cause thethird or high speed gear ratio to be active. Rotation of the selectorsto any position results in the `detent being forced out of the recess 49and up onto the cylindrical surfaces formed by the fingers. If, forexample, second speed should be desired, the detent will ride upon thesurface-of iingeri29 and in longitudinally spaced relation with therecess 41. The ring 21 on the selector 22 and the ring 32 on theselector 23 are of such thickness and width that they will engage theshifter forks and return them to their neutral position and,therefore,vwhen the selectors are moved toward each other, theshifterforkv 9 brought back to the neutral position by the detentconnection as the fork will remain locked in its shifted position'.

In connection with the slots 41 and 49, it mightv be here noted thatthey are of slightly greater length than the width of the detents inorder to permit the detents to readily engage in the recesses and toylimit the extent of movement of the shifting fork. In other words, ifthe shifting fork need not be moved as far as the selector is moved, thelength of the slot results in the fork not lbeing moved until theselector has been moved the required idle distance.

The arms 38 and 44, carried by the detents, will bear on the cylindricalsurface of the rods when the detents are partially engaged in theselector vfinger recesses as is the case when the shifting forks are inneutral position as shown in Figure l and a. future gear is selected..Under such conditions,- however, the detents are prevented from beingpressed to the bottoms of the recesses but they are sufficiently engagedin the recesses to make a good connection between the fork4 and theselectors for axial movement thereby. However, when the selector movesthe shifter fork to a position to engage a gear or a clutch of thevrchange speed gearing, the arm will be pressed into one of the slots inthe rod to thereby lock the shifter fork in the shifted position. Thisis best shown in Figure 6 wherein the detent 4| is in full engagementwith the recess 49 and the erm 44' lies in the slot 4l,thereby` lockingthe lvwill be returned to neutral by the ring 2.1. When4 y 4 i ansehe;

shifter fork in the high speed position shown in Figure 5. 'Ihe positionof the detent 4I and the arm 44 at the time that the detent firstengages in the recess 49 and the arm is moved to engage 5 the rod andprior to the movement of the gearshifting fork to its final position isshown in dotted lines.

Still referring to Figures 5 and 6, the shifter fork 8 -is alsoprovided'with a recess 50 and the 10 shifter fork 9 with a similarrecess 5I. Pivoted at 52 to the under side of the casing I is aninterlocking member 53-having a T -shaped head provided with roundedends 54 and 55. The end 54 is adapted to cooperate with the recess 58Aand the end 55 with the recess 5| and the distance 'between the ends-ofthe T-head is equal tothe distance between the shifter forks 8 and 9plus the depth of one of .the recesses. The function of thisinterlocking member is well known and need not be described in detail.When one of the shifter forks is moved from its neutral position,

\one .end of the T-head of the interlocking member will be forced intothe groove in the other shifter fork and held therein to thereby-lockthe latter shifter fork from any longitudinal movement until the otherfork is again returned to--neutral position.

Referring to Figures 12 to 16, inclusive, the hand controlled mechanismfor rotating the shaft I9, which carries the selecting members andindicates their position,.will now be described. The

end 56 of the rack 2I (Figure 4), which' slides in bore 51 in the casingI, has connected thereto a flexible cable'58 which extends upwardly andis connected to a control handle 59 suitably' mounted in the controlcompartment of the vehicle. 'I'he flexible cableisenclosed within asheath, one end of which is connected to the casing I. and theother endconnected to a tu- 40 bular casing 6I which surrounds and guides theshaft 62 of the controll handle'. The connection between the `mantle 5sand the shaft tz of the control handle is preferably by means of a balland socket joint ,in order to permit slight relative 45 rotation. In thestructure illustrated the control handle is adapted to be mounted uponthe dashboard of the vehicle and in order to secure this result, thecasing 6I is provided with a flange 68 for engagement with thesurfa'ceof the dashboard 64 when the tubular casing is inserted in a suit`ableopening in'the dashboard. The'tubular cas- .ing is also providedwith external threads for reception of a nut 65 to clamp the flange 68to the dashboard.-

.55 The shaft 62 of the control handle is provided with'a pin 66 adaptedto-slidein an irregularslot 61 in ,the upper portion of the tubularcasing 6I as shown in Figure 14. This slot is provided with a pluralityof recesses marked R, I, 2;.3, and N to 'oindicate the reverse, rstspeed, second speed,

. 70 end of the coiled spring extending through a hole inthe casing 6I.A sleeve 18 i's also 'provided between the Ytorsional spring and the nut1| by which the sheath 60 is secured inthe end of the tubular casing inorder that the shaft 62 maylbe properly guided and prevented from 1at.

'housing by means of 'a suitable bracket 84.

eral play. The torsional spring is placed under tension during theassembly of the control handle by rotating'the shaft 62 with'the pin 66removed. When the desired tension is secured,` the pin is then forcedinto the hole in the shaft 62. 5 Referring particularly to Figures l, 2,4, 11 and 1'I to 22, the means'for Amoving the selectors 22 and 28simultaneously in opposite directions to' shift the selected shiftingfork are very similar to the means shown and described in a prior mapplication referred to and will, therefore, not be described in minutedetail. The casingl I is provided with an integral extended portlon'inwhich is journaled ashaft 12, having keyed thereto a lever 13, and ashaft 1 4 having rotatably 15 mounted thereon a lever 15. The free Aendsof the levers 18 and 15 extend over theselectors and the lever 13 isprovided with a stud 16 for engagement'with the grooves 33 of 'theselector 23 and-.the lever 15 is provided with a similar stud 20 asuitable ball and socket connection. The shaft 25 through the axis ofshaft 14, as shown in Figure l.

Movement of the lever 82 in either direction from the position shown inFigure 1, which will be referredto'as the. central position of the lever82,

will result in .the levers' 18 andi15being moved an apart by the actionof the toggle.

'I'he lever 82 is adapted to be actuated by a' suction-motor 83 carriedon the transmission The suction motor comprises a cylinder 85 and a re-4 .ciprocable-piston 86 therein which is connected to the lever 82 bymeans of the piston rod 81. A- suitable dust excluding flexible boot 88is .provided-between the cylinder and the piston rod as shown. Thepiston is adapted to be normally 50.

positioned at the centerof the cylinder when the lever 82 is in thecentral position and-'the levers 18 and 15 are at their innermostposition-as showninFlgux-el. f The main clutch-operated controlvalve-for con-f trolling the suction motor willnow .be described. 'Iheextended portion of the casing i in which the levers 13 and` 15 arepivoted is soconstructed as to-.form an integral valve casing 85 havinga vertical bore 98 for rthe `reception of the valve rod 9i. '111e casingadjacent its central portion is' provided with nipples 92, 93 and 94through which extend ports 95, 96 and 9.1. 1 The port 96 is adapted tobe connected to aconduit 98 which leads through a valve to be laterdescribed to-a msource of power which, inthe present instance, isthemanifold of the internal combustion engine of the-vehicle. The portis connected 'to a conduit 98, which leads to the forward end of thecylinder 85, and the port 91 is connectedto a w conduit I 00 which leadsto the rear of the cylinder 85.l

The'lower end of the valve,` rod 9I is provided with an annular grooveIDI in which is positioned a forked arm I82 which is secured to theusual u aioassa 5 clutch pedal shaft lnextending out of the clutchhousing |04 (Figure 2) and carrying the usual clutch pedal |03. By meansof this connection between the clutch shaft and the valve rod, the

valve rod may be moved upwardly to the position shown in Figures 2 and17 when the clutch pedal is moved forwardly to disengage the clutch andto the lower position as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 2 when theclutch pedal is released to permit engagement of the clutch.

' The forward surface of the valverodis` provided with a recess |05which is of sumcient length to place any two of the adjacent ports 95,96 and 91 in communication, depending upon the l5 angular position ofthe valve rod. The length of this recess |05 is best shown in Figure 18wherein it is in a position to connect the ports 95 and 96.

On opposite sides of the recess |05 are longitudinally extending airinlet recesses |06 and |01 which extend upwardly and open into thereduced end |08 of the upper end of the valve rod. -The valve casing 89is provided with suitable air inlet ports A and A (Figure 19) locatedabove the ports 95 and 91 and adjacent the tops of the recesses |06 and|01, respectively, in order to insure that sufficient air will flow tothe ports 95 and 91 when the longitudinal recesses are properlypositioned to communicate therewith.

The upper end of the valve rod has mounted thereon a slidable sleeve |09keyed' to rotate with the valve rod by means of a pin ||0 which extendsoutwardly from one side of the valve rod and is adapted to cooperatewith an M-shaped cut out portion of a sleeve This sleeve ||I has a pressfit with the enlarged portion of the upper end of the valve casing andis at all times prevented from any relative movement with respect to thecasing.

The M-shaped cut out portion of the sleeve o and the manner in whichthepin ||0 cooperates therewith is another feature loi the presentinvention. The M-shaped cut outportion is formed by parallel slots ||2and ||3 and a downwardly extending tongue ||4 provided at its lower endswith diverging inclined surfaces ||5 and ||6, the surface ||5 beinglonger than that indicated at ||6 sothat the apex of the surfaces ispositioned at one side of the central part of the downwardly extendingtongue. The upper end of the sleeve |09, which extends into a chamberportion, has

integrally fixed thereto an arm ||1 carrying an upwardly extending pinH8.

Pivoted at their inner ends upon the upper end of the shaft 14,eccentrically thereof and within the casing is a pair of companionlevers |'I9 and |20 as best shown in Figures 1, 4 and 17. The inner endsof these levers are curved inwardly to coact with the pin ||8 on the arm||1 and extending transversely between the levers at approximately theircenter is a connecting spring |2|. Fixed to the shaft 14 forwardly ofthe pivot of the companion levers is a pin |22 which projects betweenthe inner ends of the levers.

By means of the main control valve structure and associated mechanism,the suction motor is controlled in the manner desired. The valve rod 9|,when the clutch pedal is in clutch engaged position, is in its lowermostposition as indicated by the dotted lines in Figures 2 and 17. The pin.

.m H0, carried by the upper end of the valve rod, lies below the tongue||4 of the xed sleeve and, if the selectors are in their innermostposition, this pin ||0 will be so positioned relative to the inclinedsurface ||5 of the tongue `||4 that 75 it will `be directly below and tothe left of the Since pin l0,

apex of the surfaces ||5 and ||6. The axial length of the valve recess|05 is approximately .the length of travel of the valve rod 9| from theton of the suction motor will also be in its central position asindicated in Figure 1.

The first movement of the clutch pedal |03' to disengage the clutch willmove the valve rod 9| l5 upwardly but due to the distance that the pin||0 lies below the surface ||5 of the tongue on the sleeve whichdetermines the idle travel, the pin will not engage the surface untilthe clutch has'been released. Additional movement of the 20 clutch pedalcauses the-pin ||0 to engage the inclined surface ||5 whereupon thevalve rod will be rotated simultaneously with its upward movement as aresult of the pin |10 being guided-into the slot ||2. This rotation ofthe valve rod re- 25 sults in the recess |05 being moved to connect theports 95 and 96 'in the-valve casing and the longitudinal recess |06with the port 91 in the valve casing. Consequently, the forward end ofthe suction motor will be connected to the source of 30 suction by meansof the conduits 99 and 98 and the rear end of the suction motor will beconnected to atmosphere by means of the conduit |00.

The piston 86 will now be movedato the left 35 and as a result thereof,the levers 13 and 15 will be moved apart to separate the selectors in amanner already described. The rotation of the shaft 14 by the suctionmotor causes the lever ||9 of the companion levers to be moved in a 40clockwise direction by means of the' pin |22,'as viewed in Figure 4,.thereby tensioning the spring |2| which is interposed between thecompanion lver's.

When the clutch pedal |03' is released to en- 45 gage the clutch, thefirst movement of the clutch pedal results in the valve rod 9| beinglowered and as soon as it reaches the position wherein the pin ||0 willbe free of the slot ||2` in the sleeve I, the valve rod will be rotatedto a posi- 60 tion where the-pin will lie below the slot ||3 as theresult of the action of the lever |20 being rotated in a clockwisedirection by the spring I2 'I'he valve rod is now in a position wherethe longitudinal recess |01 registers with the port 95, 05 therebycausing air to be admitted to the forward end of the suction motorthrough conduit 99. The rear end o`f the cylinder will not be connectedto the suction under these conditions 'since thel recess |05 lies belowports 96 and 91. 00

When it is again desired to make a shift,- the clutch pedal isdepressed, thereby disengaging the clutch and moving the valve rod 9|upwardly. nder these circumstances, lies directly belowslot'l I3 insleeve there will be 05 no rotative movement of the valve rod. When thevalve rod has reached its uppermost position, the recess |05 willregister with ports 9,6 and 91 and the longitudinal recess |01 willcontinue to register with port 95. This position of the valve rodresults in the rear vend of the suction motor being connected to thesource of suction through conduits |00 and 99 and thelforward end of thesuction motor in communication with the atmosphere through conduit 99.The piston of the suc-l counter-clockwise direction, as viewed from-theLtop, and carries with it lever |20, thereby tensioning spring |2|, lever||9 remaining behind lever |20 as a result of its engagement with pin |3on arm ||1 which is in the position indicated by dotted lines in Figure4.

When the clutch pedal is released and the valve rod lowered, the valverod is turned clockwise, as

viewed from the top, and to a position where pin ||0 is directly belowslot ||2. The lowering of the valve rod also results in thedisconnection of the suction from the rear end of the suction motor bythe movement of the vrecess |05 of the valve and also the admitting ofair to the rear end of the valve by the registration of the longitudinalrecess |06 with port 91. The valve rod is now in a position where asubsequent disengagement of the clutch by the movement of the clutchpedal will move the valve rod upwardly and cause the front end of thecylinder to be connected to the source of suction and the rear end ofthe suction motor to remain in communication with the atmosphere,whereby the piston of the suction motor will move through a full stroketo the forward end of the suction motor to again move levers 13 and 15rst toward each other and then away l from each other to neutralize theactive speed and render active a speed which has been selected, if suchis the case.

The cycle just described will be completed as often as found desirableand whenever the clutch pedal is depressed, the piston of the suctionmotor completing a full stroke each time the pedal is depressed.

Referring particularly to Figures 1, 5, 7, 10 andv 11, the novel meansfor preventing the operation of the suction motor when the selectors 22and 23 are in predetermined positions, regardless of the movement of theclutch-operated control valve rod 9|, will now be described. My novelmeans also is so arranged that the selectors will be positively lockedin the predetermined position and will remain so until the selectors arerotated to a new position. I have chosen to show my novel means as beingoperative when the selectors are moved to their innermost position bythe levers 13 and 15 and rotated to neutral or N position by the controlhandle, although it is to be understood that my means may be employed tobe operated when the selectors are in other positions by the properrelationship of the parts if such is found desirable.

As already pointed out, nger 29 on the selector member 23 is providedwith a narrow recess 43 which is not engaged'by either oi' the detenta35 or 4|. This recess, when the selectors are in neutral or N position.will be at the top of the cylindrical surface formed by the selectorfingers. The casing is provided with a. suitable removable cover plate|23 for enclosing all the parts and pivoted to a suitablebracket |24carried by the under side of the cover isa lever |25 extending acrossthe top of the selectors. The under side -of this lever has formedthereon a rounded projection |21 adapted to t into the recess 43 in the`selector nger 29 when it is in register beneath it. When the recess 43is not beneath the projection,

it rides on the cylindrical surface formed by the fingers of theselectors. It will not engage in either of the recesses 41 or 49 since,as readily seen in Figure 6,' theserecesses never assume a top positionwhen moved by the control handle. Lever |25 isbiased into engagementwith the selectors by a suitable spring |28.

The free end of the lever is connected to the movable element |29 of a.shut-off valve. The element |29 is slidable in a bore |30 in the casingbetween levers 13 and 15 and the lower end of this bore isV connected toatmosphere by a passage |3|. The element |29 is formed with a centralpassage |32 which extends to the surface thereof and also an annulargroove |33. Extending into bore 'is a passage |34 in the casing which isconnected to the conduit 98 leading from'the tubular valve casing '89and alreadyreferred to as being connected to conduit |36 leading to themanifold of the internal combustion engine which furnishes power for thevehicle through the change speed transmission that is to be controlled.

When the projection |21 of lever |25 rides on the cylindrical surfaceformed by the iingers of the selectors, the valve element |29 of theshutoff valve will be in its uppermost position as shown l in Figures 6and l0. Under these conditions the annular groove |33 will be in aposition to place passages |34 and |35 in communication and conduit 93leading to the main control valve will be in direct communication withthe source of suction. When the selectors are brought to their innermostposition and the control handle turned to indicate neutral or N positionof the selectors,

the recess 48 will be presented to projection |21 of the lever andthereby engage in said recess.

. The lever will then be pulled down by the spring |28 and as a resultthe valve element |29 will be lowered. In this lowermost position theannular groove |33 is out of position to place passages |34 and |35 incommunication but' the surface port of the central passage |32 is invregister with passage |34, thereby placing 4said passage incommunication with the atmosphere through passage |3| at the base ofthebore |30. Under these circumstances the conduit 98 is no longerconnected with the source of suction and; therefore, the suction motorcannot be operated regardless of whether the clutch pedal controlled rodis moved to an operative position by disengaging the clutch.

It is also to be noted that when the projection |21 engages in recess48, it positively locks'the selectors in their inner position and theycannot be moved therefrom until the control handle is moved to rotatethe selectors to a different position to free the selectors from thelocking effect of projection |21.

If it is desired to have projection |21 effective to lock the selectorsin any position besides neutral, the recess 48 may be positioned in theproper place on a finger of one of the selectors so that the projectionwill enter the recess when the selectors assume the desired position.

Referring now to the complete operation of my.

control mechanism, it `is iirst assumed that the mechanism is in theposition shown in Figure-1 which is the neutral position. Under suchconditions the pin of the control handle is in the recess markedv Ntheselectors are in theirv` innermost position andthe recess 43 is inan'upward position receiving the projection. |21 on lever |25, therebyclosing the shut-off valve and cutting ofi' the suction from the motor.The valve rod 9| the lower position and the clutch is engaged. Therotative position of thevalve Y rod is such thatpin lies below theinclined surface of sleeve and arm ||1 on sleeve |89 is in the positionindicated by dotted lines in Figure l. Any movement of the clutch pedalat closed.

If it is nowdesired to cause the first speed ratio of the transmissionto be active, the control handle is moved to a position to place pin 66in the recess marked I. This causes selectors 22 and 23 to be rotated toa position wherein the recess 49 is engaged by detent 35, therebyconnecting the shifter fork 8 to finger -24 of selector 22. The rotationof the selectors also causes projection |21 on lever |25 to ride out `ofthe recess 48 and onto the cylindrical surface of the selectors andthereby move the valve element |29 of the shut-off valve to an openposition wherein conduit 98 willbe in communication with themanifold oftheinternal combustion engine. By n ow depressing the clutch pedal,the"clutch will b e first disengaged and the valve rod 9| moved upwardlyrst engaging the inclined surface ||5 and then being rotated .i

' to a position where pin ||8 engages in slot ||2w of sleeve Asalreadypointed out, this position of the control rod results in` the forwardend of the suction motor. being placed in communication with the sourceof suction andthe rear end of the suction "motor in .communication withthe atmosphere. The piston of the suction motor is now moved forwardlytothe end of the cylinder and consequently the selectors are moved totheir outer positions, selector 22 :carrying with it the shifter fork 8and therebyengaging the low speed ratio which is controlled by the saidshifter fork.

When the low speed ratio isV engaged, the arm 38 will engage in slot 48of rodv 5, thereby'positively locking the shifter fork in'its shiftedposition. Simultaneously with the movement of `the shifter fork, theinterlocking member`53 is`m'oved toengage in recess 5| of the shifterfork 9, thereby locking this shifter fork in its neutral position.

Simultaneously with the movement of levers 13 and 15 to` the outerposition, 'lever ||9 onv the ,end of shaft 14 will be moved by pin |22to tension thespring |2|` in the manner already described. If thecontrol'handle remains in .the position set for therst speed ratio, theclutch pedal may be moved as often as desired without affecting Ytheposition' of the controlY member since the ,shifterv fork is lockedbyarm 38 in its shiftedr position and the selectors are still connectedto the shifter fork. Thisieature of my invention is a very important onesince the gear ratio, after being engaged, cannot-be disengaged andre-engaged each time that the clutch pedal is depressed. Thus theoperator cannot disturb the condition of the transmission 4 by clutchingand declutching, thereby giving him the same control over thetransmission as is pres-v ent when an ordinary manual gear shiftinglever is employed.

With the transmission in low speed position and the operator desires toplace the transmission in .marked 2.

`locking shifter vfork 8.

motor cylinder, completing a full stroke.

full stroke of the pistonwill rst move the selectors to their innerposition, the shifting fork 8 `or neutral position. He may do everythingthat render second speed active, he moves the control handle andplacespin 66 thereof into the recess This operation rotates the twoselectors so that detent 35 is disengaged from recess 49 and assumes aposition wherein Irecess 41 is placed in longitudinally spaced` relationwith respect to detent 4|. When detent 35 is disengaged from recess 49,it rides on the surface of finger 39 and disengages arm 38 from slot 48,thereby un- The rotation of the selectors to the new position `has noeifect upon the-position of the valve element |729 of the shut-olf valveas projection |21 on the lever continues to ride on the cylindricalsurface formed by the two selectors. After moving the control handle tosecond speed position, the clutch pedal may be subsequently depressedand the valve rod 9| moved to its upper position'.

Since pin ||0 of the valve rod is in alignment with slot ||3 of `sleeveit will directly enter this slot andas a result thereof the rear end ofthe suction motor will be placed in communication with the manifold ofthe engine and -the front end of the suction motor in: communicationwith the atmosphere in a manner already described. a'result of thiscondition, the'piston 86 will be moved from the frontend of the suctionmotor c ylinderto the rear end ofthe suction This being carried withselector 22 asia result of, ring 21 thereof engaging the hub of theshifter fork.

Since'the recess 411s in longitudinally spaced relation with detent 35,the detent will engage recess 41 when the selectors-reach their innerposition and asa result thereof, the shifter fork 9`v will be connectedto nger 29 of selector 23. As soon as the selectors reach their innerposition, they will again be moved apart by the full stroke actio` ofpiston 86 and, as they move apart, se-

lector 2-3 will Vcarry shifter fork 9 to a positionto render the secondspeed gear ratio of the transmission active.

During the in and out movements of Athe selectors, arm |20, pivoted tothe topof shaft'14, will be moved in a counter-clockwise direction, asviewed in Figure 4, and -consequently spring |2| is tensioned'.V

f assumed such position, the tension on leverv ||9 will cause the valverodto return to the position indicated in Figure 4, arms ||9 and |28being adjacent each other as indicated by the dotted lines of theconstruction. A

When shifter fork 9 reaches the position where the second speed ratio isactive, arm 44, carried by detent 35, will'snap into slot 45 of rod 6;thereby locking the shifting fork in its shifted position. Consequently,the mechanism cannot be moved until a new speed is selected regardlessof whether the clutch pedal is actuated to move control rod 9| up ordown.

If it is now desired to select a third or high speed ratio of 'thetransmission, the control handle is moved to place pin 66 in the recessmarked 3. This rotates the selectors and results in detent 35 riding outof recess 41 and up onto finger 24 and in longitudinally spaced relationwith re- U tion motor will be operated to mo've the -selectors'l controlrod causes the front end of the cylinder of the suction motorto beplaced in communiy cation with the manifold and the rear end of thecylinderl of the suction motor in communication with the atmosphere,thereby causing piston 86 to ,move from the rear end of the cylindertothe front end thereof. As a result of this movement, the selectors willbe rst moved totheir inner position, whereby the gear shifting fork 9will be returned to its neutral position by ring 3| of selector 23.

When the selectors reach their innermost position, detent 35 will snapinto recess 49 and, as the selectors are moved apart by 'the continuedmovement of the piston, shifter fork 9 will be carried with selector 22to thereby render the high speed ratio active. This high speed ratioposition of the parts is 'clearly shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6.' Whenshifter fork 0 reaches the high speed position," arm 44 of detent 4|engages slot 46 on rod 6, thereby locking the gear shifting fork in itsshifted position. Coincidentalwith the movement of the piston from therear to thefront end, lever H9 of the levers pivoted to th top of shaftu wm bemovea .1n a clockwise direction -to thereby tension spring `|2|.position isshown in Figure fi.

When the clutch pedal is -released,.the valve rod will assume' its lowerpositionfand, 4as soon as itfis .free of slot H2, spring |2I betweenlevers IIS'an'd |20wi1l cause the valve rod to be turned This `in amanner already apparent, thereby -placing be selected at any timeregardless of what speed ratio -is'actve. If any of the speed ratiosareactive a'ndit is desired at anyC time'to neutralize gthe transmissionand maintain it in neutral position,V the control handl'is moved to aposition where 'pln66 'engages in the recess,m'arked N.

As a result of. this positioning of the control handie; .the selectorswill be rotated to a .position where recess 48- is at the toprof theselectors and .-.inlongitudinally spaced relation with respect toprojection |21 on lever |25.' llenydetent which by the selectors.

is in a recess willjbe movedout of' said re'cess and caused to' ride' on,the cylindrical surface formed When the clutch pedal is depressed, Ythesucto their -ihnerposi'tiom thereby moving any shifting fork which isin' an active vspeed position to 'its neutral position. V

of the selectors is reached, projection |2`l on ,arm

When theinner position |25 will drop into'recess48, thereby locking ,the

` selectors in their inner position, Simultaneously with the locking ofl'the selectors; element |20 of the shut-oif'valve will be moved-toitslower position, whereby communication .`with .conduit 00 will bel cut off andsaid conduit connected to the atmosphere by wa'y of passages |32'and |3|.

With the selectors locked-in their. inner DOSI- j tion and thesaurcecf'suction cut oil' from the suction motor. subsequent operation of theclutch 4with. a projection |40. -tachably connected thereto a-narrowplate |4| so pedal and movement of the valve rod will have no effectupon the mechanism. It is thus seen that, when the control handle ismoved to its neutral or end position and the lclutch disengaged by thedepression of the, clutch pedal, the 5 operator positively knows thatthe transmission is in neutral position and that he may safely leave thevehicle.

Referring to Figures 23 to 30, a slightly modifled form will bedescribed. Since substantially 10 the major part of the structure-shownis identical with that already described, it is believed only necessaryto point out the structure which has been modiiled and its operation incommotion with the structure already described. The main changes lie inthe different form of 'clutch-controiled valve employed and diierentmeans for locking .the selectors in their innermost position.

"Ihe purpose of the modification is to disclose means which absolutelyprevents the control handie from beingmoved to neutral position marked Nunless the transmission has been previously placed in neutral position.By the use of such means, the operator will always knowthat when thecontrol handle is in neutral, the -transmis'- 25 sion is alsoin neutral.

Referring to the drawings, especially Figures 24, and 26, ring 20 ofselector 22 is provided 'Ihe casingl has dewhich extends beneathselector22 and is of such length that the ring end 26 o f selector 22 will. liejust beyond the end of the plate when selector 22 is in its innerposition. Projection |40 on ring 2B is so located that it willengage'theedge 85 of the plate, as indicated in Figure 25, when thecontrol handle is moved to a position, to place pin. in the recessmarked 0. Under these con- 4ditions the selectorscannot berotated inaIcounter-clockwise positiomas viewed in Figure 25, to '40 thereby placethe' control handle in a position where pin 00 canengage the recessmarked However, if the selectors are movedl to their inner position,projection |40 can clear `the endof 1 plate I4| and allow the controlhandle to be 45 moved, to the indicated neutral position. Under such acircumstance projection |40 will assume the position indicated by dottedlines in Figure 26. Slot 40 `in finger `29 of selector 23 has been lslightly modind as' shown 'at |42, 'This slot is 50 of a -length 'toentend throughout the entire length ofthe finger. 'The function of theslot,

however, is the same sinc'eit cooperates' withproje'ction |21 on' lever.|25 when the selector is turnedto place it .at the vtopofthe'selector's. 55 Under these conditions the lever may be pulled downby the spring to close. the shut-oil' valve 'controlled by the valveelement |29.,V -Lever |25 I does not need -toact as a lock as thisfunction is performed by projection` |40 and plate '|4I; 00

Levers 'i3 and y`|5 for operating the selectors- 'are interconnectedbyarms 18 and 19 in the same manner' as already described. II he `ar.4rangement of link 3| and its connection with arm and lever 'I2' has-been'changed so as to 05 veliminate the toggle action.1 With the-structure shown,' a. -full -stroke of piston 86 of 'the suction -moto'risnecessary to move the selectors' either toward or away from eachother.

Casing 89 of the clutch controlled valve and the '70' parts therein are,the same as in the previously described embodiment. VIn the modificationunder consideration conduit 99' leads to the rear' end of cylinder 03and conduit |00" leadsto-the front end of the cylinder.

In Figures 37, 28 and 29, the modied valve rod for controlling thesuction motor is shown. Valve rod 9| is provided with a rectangularrecess |43 similar to the prior recess |05 but of greater length. Oneach side of this recess are longitudinally extended recesses |44and\|45, recess |45 being slightly irregular and of such shape that aportion of it lies above recess |43. The upper end of the valve rod isprovided with a.

pin |46,`one end of which is adapted to cooperate with slot |41 on thexed sleeve |48 which is substitutedr for the prior described sleeve Slot|41 has an angular portion |49 and a straight vertical portion |50.Sleeve |09 and levers ||9 and |20 of the prior described constructionare eliminated in the construction under consideration as their functionis no longer needed.

It is also to be noted that the means for locking the shifter forks intheir shifted position has been eliminated and the construction shown inFigure 30 substituted therefor. The locking arms have been removed fromthe detents and a spring pressed ball employed for yieldably maintainingthe shifting forks in the different positions they may assume. to Figure30, wherein the relationship between shifter fork 8 and the selector isshown, the spring pressed detent has been substituted for the previouslydescribed spring pressed detent 35. The spring pressed ball 5| ismounted in the shifting fork and cooperates with spaced rounded recesses|52 in rod 5 in a well known manner.

Referring to the operation of the modification shown in Figures 23 to30, inclusive, the selectors are normally in their outer position andpiston 86 of the suction motor is at the forward end of the cylinder.'I'he position of the parts are as shown in Figure 23.

When the clutch pedal |03 is in clutch-engaged position, valve rod 9|will be in its lower position and rotated substantially 90 degrees fromthe position shown in Figure 27 as the result of the pin following theangular portion |49 of slot |41 as the valve rod is lowered. When thevalve rod is in its lower position, the longitudinal recess |44 is in aposition to place the rear end of the cylinder, through conduit 99 lincom-A munication with the atmosphere and recess |45 is ina position toplace the front end of the cylinder in communication with the atmospherethrough conduit |00.

Assuming that the high speed ratio is active,

as indicated in Figure 23, i. e., shifter fork 9 is moved to the forwardposition, and it is desired to place the transmission in neutral, thecontrol handle cannot be moved to neutral position under thesecircumstances because projection |40 on ring 26 of selector 22 will abutplate |4| in the manner indicated in Figure 25. 'Ihe transmission,however, is neutralized by depressing the clutch pedal, the firstportion of its movement resulting in the disengagement of the clutch.Continued movement of the clutch pedal will bring Referring in detailstances, however, since piston 86 isalready at 'to connect conduit 98with conduit 99', thus placing the rear end of cylinder 83 incommunication with the source of suction. Under these .circumstances thelower end of the longitudinal recess |45 is in a position to registerwith the port leading to conduit |00', thereby placing the forward endof the suction motor in communication with the atmosphere. Under thesecircumstances piston 85 will be free to be moved to the rear end of vthecylinder, thereby causing levers 13 and 15 to be moved to their innerposition carrying with them selectors 22 and 23.` This action, asalready pointed out', will move shifter fork 9 to its neutral position,thereby placing the transmission in neutral.

Whenv the selectors have reached their inner position, the controlhandle may then be moved to a position wherein pin 66 can be placed intheA recess marked N since now projection |40 on ring 26 of selector 22is in a position where it will not engage plate |4 The position ofprojection |40, when the control handle jis `placed in neutral position,is shown by thedotted lines in Figure 26. When projection |40 assumesthe dotted line position, the selectors will be'locked in neutralposition since projection |40 by its engagement with the end of plate|4| will not permit the selectors to be moved apart. When theselectorshave been rotated to their neutral position, as indicated bythe control handle, the longitudinal recess 4|42 in` finger 29 will thenlie beneath projection |21 of lever |25 and under these circumstancesthe shut-01T valve, controlled by valve element |29, will be closed.Release of the clutch pedal and the lowering of valve rod 9|' will haveno effect upon the suction motor, notthe rotation of the selectors andthe connecting of the selected `shifting fork to the proper selector.tated from neutral position, the shut-o valve will be opened by themovement of projectionI |21 of lever |25 out of recess |42. This willopen the shut-ofi valve land again place conduit 98 in communicationwith the source of suction.

When the clutch pedal is now depressed to a point beyond where theclutch is disengaged, re-

cess !43 will be placed in. position to connect the front end of thesuction motor with conduit 93 and the rear end of the suction motor withthe atmosphere. Piston 89 will now be moved to the iront end of thecylinder, thereby spreading levers 9 and 15 apart and also theselectors. The movement of the selectors apart will result in the propershifting fork being moved to a position to As soon as the selectors havebeen rorender active the speed ratio which had been pre- ,w

viously selected. Under these circumstances it is not necessary tocontinue to depress the clutch pedal to move pin |46 in the inclinedportion of slot |41 as such would result in the valve rod being sopositioned that the rear end of the suc'' tion with the atmosphere,thereby moving the piston to the rear end of the suction motor andcausing the gear which has been engaged to be neutralized. Of course, ifsuch continued depression of the clutch pedal should be brought about,the gear which was neutralized by such action would be carried back intoits active position when valve rod 9| was lowered by the release ci theclutch pedal.

When the clutch has been *fully re-engaged, the valve rod will againassume its lower position and piston 86 will be at the forward end ofthe cylinder, thus placing the selectors in their outer position and theproperly selected gear ratio in its active position. 'With the selectedspeed ratio in its active position and it is desired to select anotherspeed, the control handle is moved to the indicated speed ratio and thusplaces the selectors in a position to pick up the proper shifting forliwhen they assume the inner position.

When the clutch pedal is depressed, the valve rod will be raised and theforward end o the suction motor will be placed in communication with thesource or suction but piston 88 will not be operated since it is alreadyin its forward position. By moving the valve rod to its upper position,the

rear end of the suction motor will be connected to the source of suctionand the upper end of the motor to the atmosphere, thus moving theselectors to their inner position, thereby neutralizing the speed whichhas been active and connecting up the speed which has been selected in amanner already apparent from the description of the rst describedembodiment. The release of the clutch pedal and the consequent loweringof the valve rod again results in the front end of the suction motorbeing connected to the source of suction and the rear end of the suctionmotor to the atmosphere, thereby causing the selectors to be moved'apartand the speed ratio which has been connected thereto can be renderedactive.

.By means of the modified structure described, it is readily seen thatthe operator cannot place the control handle in a position wherein pinS6 is in the neutral recess unless he has already neutralized thetransmission. This is a very important feature since the operator willalways know whether or not the transmission is in neutral position bymerely glancing at the position of pin 66 of the control handle. Thus,if the pin is in the neutral recess, he knows that the transmission isin neutral and may leave the vehicle without any danger of the vehiclejumping forward or rearward when the clutch pedal has been released,thereby causing damag.` to another vehicle which may be near by. Also,after leaving the vehicle and coming back, the operator knows the exactcondition of the transmission by merely looking at the control handle.If the control handle is not in the neutral position, he is immediatelyinformed of the fact that a gear of the transmission is engaged or maybe engaged and clutch pedal and, as a result thereof, the transmissionwill be immediately neutralized by the action of the suction motor whenthe engine is started.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission havingaplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, the combinationof a clutch pedal, means comprising a rotatable member and connectingmeans for selecting the shifting means for the different speed ratios,means for moving the rotatable member axially to thereby move theselected shifting means in one direction to render a selected speedratio active and in the Opposite direction to render said selected speedratio neutral, means operable by movement of the clutch pedal forcontrolling said last named means, means for preventing the last namedmeans from being operated by movement of the clutch pedal after it hasmoved the selected shifting means to the desired position, and means fordisabling said preventing means by movement of the rotatable member ofthe selecting means to a position selectingv another speed ratio.

2. In a control mechanism for'a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, rotatable meansfor selecting neutral and the shifting means for the different speedratios including means `for connecting the selected shifting means tothe rotatable means, means for moving the rotatable means axially tothereby move the selected shifting means in one direction to render aselected speed ratio active and in the opposite direction to render saidselected speed ratio neutral, and means for preventing said last namedmeans from moving the rotatable means axially when said shifting meansis in a position rendering the speed ratio neutral and the selectingmeans is moved to a neutral position.

3. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, rotatable meansfor selecting neutral and the shifting means for the dillerentspeedratios including means for connecting the selected shifting means to therotatable means, means for moving the rotatable means to thereby movethe selected shifting means in one direction to render a selected speedratio active and in the opposite direction to render said selected speedratio neutral, and means for positively preventing the rotation of theselecting means to the'neutral position prior to the shifting meansbeing moved to a position rendering the speed ratio neutral, said lastnamed means imposing no restriction on the free selection of thedilerent speed ratios when they are either active or neutral.

4. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, rotatable meansfor selecting neutral and the shifting means for the different speedratios including means for con'- necting the selected shifting means tothe rotatable means, means for moving the rotatable means axially tothereby move the selected shifting means in one direction to render a4selected speed ratio active and in the opposite direction to rendersaid selected speed ratio neutral, and means operable by the rotatableselecting means for disabling said last named means and preventing axialmovement of the rotatable means when the selecting means is placed inneutral and the shifting means assumes a neutral' position.

5. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, means forselecting the shifting means forthe different speed ratios, means formoving theselected shifting means in one direction to render a selectedspeed ratio active and in the opposite direction to render said selectedspeed ratio neutral, power means for operating said last named means, acontrol member for said power means, and means operable when theselecting means and the shifting means are in predetermined positionsfor disabling the power means independently of the control member.

6. In a control mechanism for a change' speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, means forselecting the shifting means for the diiferent speed ratios,

means for moving the selected shifting meansv in one direction to rendersaid selected speed ratio active and in the opposite direction to rendersaid selected speed ratio neutral, fluid power meansl for Voperatingsaid last named means, a valve for controlling said power means, andmeans operable when the selecting means and the shifting means are inpredetermined positions for disabling the power means notwithstandingVthe position of the valve.

7. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, means forselecting the shifting means for the different speed ratios, means formoving the selected shifting means in one direction to render saidselected speed ratio active and in the opposite direction to render saidselected speed ratio neutral, fluid power means for operating said lastnamed means, a valve for controlling said power means, and a shut-offvalve interposed betweenthe control valve and the power means andoperable when the selecting means and the shifting means are inpredetermined positions for disabling the power means notwithstandingthe position of the valve.

8. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speedV ratios and shifting means therefor, a combinedrotatable and longitudinally slidable member for selecting and shiftingthe shiftable means, means for moving said last named memberlongitudinally in opposite directions, and means operable by therotation of the combined rotatable and longitudinally slidable member toa predetermined position for disabling the means for moving the combinedrotatable and longitudinally slidable member in opposite directions.

9. In a control mechanism for a lchange speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, a combinedrotatable and longitudinally .slidable memberfor selecting and shiftingthe shiftable means, means for moving said last named memberlongitudinally in opposite directions, means for disabling the means formoving the combined rotatable and longitudinally slidable member inopposite directions, and a member cooperating with the combinedrotatablev and longitudinally slidable member and operable by therotation thereof to a predetermined position for governing the disablingmeans. l

1G. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission 'having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, the combinationwith a clutch pedal, means comprising a rotatable member for selectingthe desired shifting means, a fluid-operated device for shifting the'selected shifting means in' opposite directions,

longitudinally to thereby shift the selected shifting means in oppositedirections,l and means operable bythe rotation of the rotatable memberof the selecting means toa predetermined position for disabling thepower-operated member.

12. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, means comprisinga rotatable member for selecting the desired.

shifting means, means comprising a fluid motor and a control valve forshifting the selected shifting means in opposite directions, andashut-off valve between the motor and the control valve and operable bythe rotation of the rotatable member of the selecting means to apredetermined position for disabling the fluid motor.

13. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission havingshiftable means movable to two diierent positions for causing' a speedratio to be either active or neutral, means includingl an oscillatingelement for moving said shiftable means to its two different positions,a uid motor comprisingla cylinder and a `piston connected to theoscillating element, said piston being posi'- tioned in said cylinderintermediate its ends when the oscillating element is in a positioncausing thelshiftable means to be in neutral and at either end of thecylinder when the oscillating element is in a position causing theshifting means to render a speed ratio active, a valve for controllingthe iiow of fluid power to opposite ends of the cylinder, control meansfor moving saidr valve to a position to cause the piston to move to apredetermined end of the cylinder .when the piston is positionedintermediate its extremities of travel, and means actuated by the pistonduring its movement to said end of the cylinder for moving the valve toa position to cause the piston to be moved to the other end of thecylinder upon a subsequent actuation of the control means.

14. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission, a support,a'supporting member, a shifting fork slidable on said supporting member,a rotatable and longitudinally slidable member for selecting andshifting said fork, yieldable means for connecting the last named memberto the shifting fork, and means operable by said yieldable connectingmeans for locking the shifting fork to the support after it has beenmoved to a predetermined position. C

15. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission, a support, asupporting member, a

shifting fork slidable on said supporting member, a rotatable andlongitudinally .slidable member for selecting and shifting said fork,yieldable means for connecting the last named member to the shiftingfork, means operable by said yieldgearing, a support, a longitudinallyshiftable member, a rotatable and longitudinally slidable member, meansfor locking said shiftable member to the support,'means for coupling anduncoupling said shiftable member and the rotatable and longitudinallyslidable member by rotation of the latter, and 'interconnecting meansbetween the locking and coupling means whereby the locking means may bemoved to a non-locking position when the shiftable means and therotatable and longitudinally slidable member are uncoupled.

17. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission, a support, arod carried by the support and provided with a recess, a shifting forkslidable on said rod, a rotatable and longitudinally slidable member forselecting and shifting said fork and provided with a recess, aspring-pressed detent carried by the fork and adapted to cooperate withthe recess in the rotatable and slidable member when the latter is in apredetermined position, and an arm secured to the detent and movabletherewith and adapted to cooperate with the recess in the rod when saiddetent is in its cooperating recess and the shifter fork is moved to apredetermined position by the rotatable and longitudinally slidablemember.

18. In a control mechanism for a change speed 'missicn, a combinedrotatable and longitudinally slidable member for selecting and shiftingthe shiftable member, means carried by the shiftable member andcooperating with the support for positively locking the shiftable memberin a predetermined position, and means operable by the rotation of thecombined rotatable and longitudinally slidable member for unlocking saidlocking means.

19. In a control mechanism for a change speed gearing, a support, alongitudinally shiftable member carried by the support, a rotatable andlongitudinally slidable member carried by the support, detent meanscarried by the support for engagement with the rotatable andlongitudinally slidable member to thereby prevent longitudinal movementthereof when it is in a predetermined position, and means for disablingsaid detent means by rotation of the rotatable and longitudinallyslidable member. 20. In a control mechanismfor a change speed gearing, asupport, a longitudinally shiftable member carried by the support, arotatable and longitudinally slidable member carried by the support andprovided With a recess, and a member pivoted on the support and adaptedto engage said recess when the rotatable and longitudinally slidablemember is in a predetermined position to thereby prevent said memberfrom being moved longitudinally, said pivoted member being disengagedfrom the recess by a rotation of the rotatable and longitudinallyslidable member.

2l. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, a combinedrotatable and longitudinally slidable member for selecting and shiftingthe shiftable means, means for moving said last named meanslongitudinally in opposite directions, means for disabling the means formoving the combined rotatable and longitudinally slidable member inopposite directions, means cooperating with said member for preventinglongitudinal movement thereof, and means for causing said disablingmeans and the last named means to be simultaneously operable when themember is in a predetermined rotative position.

22. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, means comprisinga rotatable member for selecting the desired shifting means, meanscomprising a power-operated member for moving the rotatable memberlongitudinally to thereby shift the selected shifting means in oppositedirections, means for disabling the power-operated means, meanscooperating with the rotatable member for preventing it from being movedlongitudinally, and means for causing said last named means and thedisabling means to be simultaneously operable when the rotatable memberis in a predetermined rotative position.

23. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, means comprisinga rotatable member for selecting the desired shifting means, meanscomprising a iiuid motor and a control valve for moving the selectedshifting means in opposite directions, a shut-off valve between themotor and the control valve for .disabling the fluid motor, and meanscooperating with the rotatable member for locking it from movement in alongitudinal direction and for simultaneously permitting the shut-offvalve to be operative when the rotatable member is in a predeterminedrotative position.

24. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, means comprisinga. rotatable member for selecting the desired shifting means, saidmember being providedwith a longitudinal recess, means comprising afluid motor and a control valve for moving the selected shifting meansin opposite directions, a shut-off valve between the motor and thecontrol valve for disabling the fluid motor, and a member cooperatingWith the recess in the rotatable memberwhen said member is in apredetermined rotative position for causing said shut-off valve to beoperative, said recess being of sufficient length to permit therotatable member to be shifted longitudinally during the shiftingoperation.

25. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, rotatable meansfor selecting the shifting means for the different speed ratios, meansfor moving the rotatable means longitudinally in one direction to rendera selected speed ratio active and in the opposite direction to rendersaid selected speed ratio neutral, a fluid motor for operating said lastnamed means, a control valve for the fluid motor, the movable element ofthe motor being so controlled by the valve that it is movable fromeither of the extreme positions of its travel to the center of itstravel to cause the speed ratios to be inactive and movable from thecenter of travel to its extremities to cause said speed ratios to beactive, and means controlled by the selecting means when in apredetermined position for disabling the fluid motor when the movableelement thereof assumes a central position in its path of travel.

26. In a control mechanismfor a change speed transmission having aplurality of speed ratios moving the selected shifting means in onedirection to render aselected speed ratio active and, in the oppositedirection to render said selected speed ratio neutral, a fluid motor foroperating said lastnamed means, the movable element of the motor beingmovable from one of the extreme positions of its travel to the center ofits travel to cause an active speed ratio to be inactive and movablefrom its center of travel to one of its extremities to cause said speedratio to be active. a control valve forthe fluid motor, and means foroperating the valve by the clutch pedal, said valve being so associatedand coordinated with the fluid motor and clutc pedal that movement ofthe clutch pedal ond clutch-disengaged position causes the valve toconnect the source of fluid pressure with the iluid motor in such amanner that the movable element thereof will move -to' its centralposition if it is not in such position and when the pedal is returned toclutch-engaged position it causes the valve to connect the motor withthe source of pressure in such a manner that tire movable elementthereof will move to one of its extremities of travel.

27'. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission having aplurality 'or speed ratios and shifting means therefor, the combinationof aclutch pedal, means for selecting the shifting means for thedifferent speed ratios, means for moving the selected shifting means inone direction to render a selected speed ratio active and inthe oppositedirection to render said se` lected speed ratio neutral,` a fluid-motorfor operating said last named means, th movable element of the motorbeing movable f om one of its extreme positions of travel to its otherextreme vpositionof travel to cause an active speed ratio to be inactiveandmovable in the reverse direc-jv tion to cause said speed ratio to beactive, a control valve for the uid motor, and means for operating thevalve by the clutch pedal, said valve being so designedand associatedwith the uid' motor.: and the clutch pedal that movement of `the pedalto a point'beyond its clutch-disem' gaged position ca use's the valve toconnect the source of iiuidpressure with the fluid motorlin such a'manner that the movable element there- I' of will be moved to one ofits' extremities' of travel and movement of the clutch pedal to afarther point will cause the valve to connect the -source of iluidpressure withthe fluid motor .in such a manner that the movableI elementthereof will be moved in a reverse direction.

28. In a control mechanism for a change speed transmission havingaplurality of speed ratios and shifting means therefor, rotatable meansfor selecting neutral and the shifting means forv the different speedratios, manual means including a lever forv rotating the vrotatablemeans,

means for moving the rotatable means longitudinallyiin one direction torender a selected speed ratio active and in the opposite direction torender said selected speed ratio neutral, and stop means cooperatingwith the rotatable means when it is in a position causing a speed ratioto be active for preventing the rotatable means from being rotated bythe lever to the neutral positionv but not to other positionscorresponding to other speed ratios, said stop means being ineifectivewhen the rotatable meansl is moved bythe moving means to a position toneutralize the speed ratio.

2i). In control mechanism for a -change speed transmission having aplurality 4oi? sets'of gears 'and shifting means for causing each set tobe operative lor inoperative, a combined rotatable and axially movablemember, means for connecting othe different sets of gears to therotatable mem-- 'ber, means for. moving said rotatable member axially inone direction lto a position rendering aset of gears active and in theopposite direction to a position rendering said set of gears neutral, axed member,' and a cooperating member carried bythe rotatable member andengageable with the xed member only when `said rotatable member is in anaxial position causing a set of gears to be active to thereby preventrotation`of -the said rotatable member to a position where saidrotatable member will not be capable of being connected to any of theshifting means. T. RANDOLY

